List Mgmt. Welcome to West Coast: Jake Waterman
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What is the huge change to Watermans game? Nothing.
It's just the opportunity and being more of a focus in the forward line with us getting more of the ball in there and getting it in faster.
He's not a huge talent but 2 elite AFL attributes. Footy IQ and finishing. He is also close to elite in his endurance and his preparation. Agility is average at best, speed average at best, undersized for his role. Above average overhead, particularly for his height but mainly due to his Footy IQ.
Works hard up and down the ground
Cursedsword02
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Don't mind me, just giving this thread a little well-deserved bump
He looks like a man on a mission this year, he missed that 1 shot but the next one was kicked with authority. Looking the business for a confident year
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Hoping he can keep this up for the whole season.
His previous best season was 18 goals.
Would love to see him kick 50 this year.
His previous best season was 18 goals.
Would love to see him kick 50 this year.
I wish Darling would take a leaf out of his book and straighten his damn arms in marking contests, robs himself of crucial inches every time!
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Late to the party but it's good to see this as Waterman's breakout came last year. It's just nice to see him get some continuity this year. In AA form through the first quarter of the season.
- Oct 17, 2018
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I wish straightening my arms would give me inches!!!
Another fine effort, well done Jake! I can't wait for Allen to return to form then our forward line might resemble something like it was in it's heyday.
Kicking bags but still covering crazy kms and getting back into defence to help out
And did it on the best (or 2nd best) defender in the league tonight. Playing incredible football this year
And did it on the best (or 2nd best) defender in the league tonight. Playing incredible football this year
Not sure if anyone else heard it but apparently Snake has overhauled his diet, given up the piss and came back from his two week off season trip early to start preseason.
I won't accuse him of not taking footy seriously enough before his illness but for better or worse it's been a wake up call for him and sounds like he's become very professional in his approach to his body. Reaping the rewards big time.
I won't accuse him of not taking footy seriously enough before his illness but for better or worse it's been a wake up call for him and sounds like he's become very professional in his approach to his body. Reaping the rewards big time.
I feel like he's always been a forward, having seen him in the WAFL playing there. Has done what he has had to do to get games in other positions throughout the years but is now in a more natural position for his strengths.
Not as good a field kick as Darling further up the ground but he's a hard worker, great leading patterns and a good set shot. Puts in on defence as well so his best position is closer to goal.
Darling's better up the field imo due to his kicking but he can't cover the ground like Waterman can.
He leads a lot and keeps moving, he's creating his own space the same way JK used to.
Not as good a field kick as Darling further up the ground but he's a hard worker, great leading patterns and a good set shot. Puts in on defence as well so his best position is closer to goal.
Darling's better up the field imo due to his kicking but he can't cover the ground like Waterman can.
He leads a lot and keeps moving, he's creating his own space the same way JK used to.
What changed?
Three things.
He lost weight and is covering the ground much better. He looked heavy in the hips last few years. Now off the booze so more professional.
He is finally being played as a FF his best position. Not being pushed down the ground.
And we are actually winning centre bounces and clearances. Reid especially has another 5 to 10 meter depth to his kicking. And generally we are kicking inside 50 much more effectively.
So three major things have changed here with Waterman.
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- Oct 9, 2009
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Wow 3.
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DeckedOut20
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Signs of progress were there last year.
Still only 25, birthday in around two weeks, so he'll be around at least for another five or so years.
Like everyone else (or almost everyone else), I hope he continues on this trajectory, will provide a good combination with Allen now that we actually get the footy inside our 50.
Jake is the same height as Darling so an easy swap moving forward. Although Darling was previously regarded as a reasonable endurance athlete, which helped offset his smaller height for a key forward, I don't recall him being at the same levels that we are currently seeing from Waterman.
I think Darling was more strength, balance and speed (early days anyway).
Waterman would be fitter than Darling even in his prime.
Waterman would be fitter than Darling even in his prime.
Tbh for all of Darling’s massive upper body and his judo abilities, he often seems to really struggle to move defenders off the line and outbody them in marking contests. You’d think he’d ragdoll most players.
Waterman’s bodywork has been very very good in the last fortnight. Never seen him play so well
Eastern Rangers
2015 Worsfold Medalist - Rowen Powell
Strength and speed yes. Balance no.
Darling keeps his feet over ground balls and rarely loses them on the lead.
Allen for example early days was flying at marks, not grabbing them and not being able to give any second efforts as he was on the floor.
Unless Darling gets nudged he's usually landing back on his feet even when he does fly for the mark. Very good at contesting the spillage I think.
It's a weird one, as he holds his own in the ruck very well and is strong in the tackle, not many bring him to ground.
Monsterdarlz
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Found his mojo at FF which works best for us Allen does his best work at CHF the two of them could be a dynamic due given time
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